everyday beliefs and customs
Why do some people hang a lemon and chillies at shops and homes?
What people believe
In folk belief, a string of one lemon and a few green chillies, often called nimbu-mirchi, is hung at doorways and shop entrances to protect against nazar, the evil eye. The belief holds that this simple charm keeps away misfortune and brings good luck. Many shopkeepers hang it above the door or near the till. Some people change it regularly, often on Saturdays. The custom is widespread across India and among Hindu communities worldwide.
Where it comes from
The exact origin of this custom is not clearly recorded. Some say it may have started as a simple doorway decoration or practical habit, but there is no proven explanation. It appears to be part of folk tradition that has been passed down through families and communities over time, becoming a familiar part of daily life.
Today
You can see the lemon and chilli string at shops, stalls, and homes across India and in Indian neighbourhoods around the world. Some people keep it as habit or to feel connected to their culture. Others use it alongside different charms, like coloured threads or beads. Whether people use it, how often they change it, and how much they believe in its effect varies widely from family to family and place to place.